Player of the Week - Vincent Lecavalier

The dynamic centre seems to have found a comfort zone with his abilities and his role in recent months for the Lightning.

The Tampa Bay Lightning find themselves in a very good position early in their second-round series with the Washington Capitals. The Bolts currently hold a 3-0 series lead and much of their success can be attributed to the play of their captain, Vincent Lecavalier. The dynamic centre, who has battled some nagging injuries over the past few seasons, seems to have found a comfort zone with his abilities and his role in recent months for the Lightning. The former Maurice Richard Trophy winner has embraced his leadership role and found ways to once again be a factor on the scoresheet on a consistent basis. The 6’4” native of Ile-Bizard, Quebec, who helped lead the expansion team to a hard-fought and epic Stanley Cup victory in the 2004 NHL playoffs, undoubtedly remains one of the key faces of the franchise in Tampa. Since the team’s championship season in ’04, Vinny and the Lightning have experienced some low points, which have included changes of ownership and rumours of Lecavalier being dealt out of Tampa. But the man who has embedded himself in the community through his charity work is once again looking like the superstar that many hockey fans know him to be. Surrounded by players like Marty St. Louis and Steven Stamkos, Lecavalier looks to be enjoying himself thoroughly, and is leading the Lightning on an impressive playoff run so far in 2011.

Vincent has been leading the Lightning through their run in the 2011 NHL Playoffs, with 11 points in the team’s first ten games played – including a league-best three game-winning goals so far

He was a force in Game 2 of the second round series against the Capitals, scoring two goals, including the OT winner, to give the Bolts a 2-0 series lead going back home to Tampa.

Vincent is also extremely dedicated to supporting charity in the Tampa area, as shown by his foundation opening the Vincent Lecavalier Pediatric Cancer and Blood Disorders Center

BIOGRAPHY:

Born in Ile Bizard, Quebec, Canada on April 21, 1980

Drafted 1stoverall in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft by the Tampa Bay Lightning

Led the Lightning to a Stanley Cup championship in 2004

Earned the Maurice Richard Trophy for most goals in the 2006-07 season (52)

Received the King Clancy Memorial Trophy in 2007-08

Active in promoting himself and the Lightning through his Twitter account: @VLecavalier4

Has represented Canada internationally in numerous tournaments, including the World Juniors (1998), World Championships (2001), Olympics (2006), and the World Cup of Hockey (2004) where he was named the Tournament MVP